Overview
Good Shepherd Clubs provide high-quality wraparound childcare to families in Hemel Hempstead. We run breakfast and after school clubs for children aged 3–11 across several local schools, offering a fun, safe, and supportive environment for children outside of school hours. We are currently recruiting enthusiastic and caring Managers, Deputy Managers, and Playworkers to join our friendly team. Whether you are an experienced childcare professional or looking to start a rewarding career working with children, we provide full training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
What we offer
* Flexible working hours to fit around other commitments
* Term-time only roles (with paid holiday entitlement)
* A chance to work in a fun, supportive environment where no two days are the same
* Opportunities for career progression within the clubs
* Full training provided – ideal if you’re new to childcare but passionate about working with children
Hours of work
* Breakfast Club: 7:15am – 9:00am
* After School Club: 2:45pm – 6:15pm
* Some staff choose to work both sessions, others just one – we are happy to work around your availability
Who we’re looking for
* Passionate about working with children and helping them thrive
* Reliable, friendly, and able to work well in a team
* Committed to providing excellent care in a safe and welcoming environment
* Previous childcare experience or qualifications are welcomed but not essential – training will be provided
* Start date: As soon as possible, subject to the completion of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check
Main Duties & Responsibilities
* Planning, preparing, and delivering quality play opportunities within a safe and caring environment
* Providing comprehensive care for the children, including collecting them from school and ensuring their safe handover to parents/carers
* Escorting children safely from their schools to the club
* Setting up and packing away the play space, including moving furniture and play equipment
* Preparing and serving refreshments while ensuring hygiene, health, and safety standards are met
* Administering first aid when necessary
* Consulting with children and involving them in the planning of activities
* Encouraging and supporting parental involvement in the club
* Facilitating good communication with all members of the organisation, parents, schools, and childcare agencies
* Undertaking relevant training and continuous professional development
* Maintaining a safe, healthy, and secure environment in line with health and safety legislation
* Working within the framework of the club’s policies and procedures, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Additional Safeguarding & Risk Management Responsibilities
* Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children at all times, with a strong focus on safeguarding practices
* Being vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance and club policies
* Carrying out daily risk assessments of the premises, equipment, and activities, taking immediate action to minimise hazards (Manager)
* Maintaining accurate records including attendance, incidents, accidents, and safeguarding logs (Manager)
* Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and managing behaviour positively in line with the club’s behaviour policy
* Ensuring all safeguarding and child protection training is kept up to date (Manager)
Manager-Specific Responsibilities
* Leading and supporting the staff team to deliver high-quality play opportunities (Manager)
* Overseeing the implementation of safeguarding and health & safety procedures (Manager)
* Ensuring policies are regularly reviewed and adhered to by all staff (Manager)
* Liaising with schools, parents, and external agencies as needed (Manager)
* Supervising staff, delegating tasks, and providing feedback to support professional growth (Manager)
Essential qualities
* Experience of working with 3 to 11 year olds
* Understanding the varied needs of children and their families
* Understanding the issues involved in the delivery of quality play care
* Understanding the issues of equal opportunities
* Provide and facilitate safe and creative play
* Good communication skills
* Ability to work as a team member and demonstrate leadership skills
* Sound judgement and common sense
* Sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of the children
Desirable qualities
* Appropriate Level 3 qualification
* Experience of working within a play-based setting
* Competent in using IT to support play and club administration
* Ability to work on own initiative
* Appropriate child protection training
* Current 12-hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate
* Food hygiene training
We will be carrying out a DBS check on all successful candidates.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
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